Want to get kids excited about the Olympics? There may be no better way than to have them participate in their own Olympic games.
These fun Olympic game ideas are designed to do just that. Games of competition and cooperation will get them in the Olympic spirit.
Make sure you stock up on supplies for your Olympic games:
- Stop watches
- Tape measures
- Whistles for the game officials
- Equipment that each game requires
Before games, have kids say the Olympic oath!
In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams.[17][14]
Wikipedia *While the oath is modified for players, coaches and other, it is mostly the same.
Have your kids put up their right hand and say an oath/promise at the beginning of your games.
Kids Olympic Game Ideas
1. Set up a colored ring toss
Easy game to play that is themed on the Olympics. Just take some colored rings, and stick a wood in the ground and have the kids toss the rings and try to clinch them on the wood. Easy and fun to begin with.
2. Have a Hula-Hoop contest
All you need is a few hula-hoops and a good attitude. Have the kids try and do it for the longest.
Pro tip – Use a timer to time the kids, and have a scoreboard just like they do in the real Olympics
3. A hammer throw
Materials:
- Small paper bag
- Newspaper
- String
Instructions
- Stuff a small paper bag with newspaper.
- Tie it off with a 12″ long string.
- Hold the end of the string.
- Spin around 3 times. Let go.
- Watch how far the hammer travels.
- Record distances.
- The longest distance wins.
4. Javelin throw
Materials:
- Soda straws
- Waste paper basket
- Tape
Instructions
- Tape 4 straws together end to end.
- Mark a starting line behind which all players must stand.
- Place a wastepaper basket 5 feet from the starting line.
- Throw straws into the wastebasket.
- Give each player 5 turns.
- The winner is the child who gets the straws into the basket the most times.
5. Standing broad stretch
Instructions
- Mark a starting line with tape.
- Start with the toes behind the line.
- Take one giant step.
- Measure the step.
- The winner is the one who took the biggest step.
6. Shot put for distance
Instructions
- Make a ball out of aluminum foil.
- Hold the ball in the palm of one hand.
- Instruct children to place that hand next to their ear and then push the shot into the air extending their arms.
- They can not move their feet.
- Record distances; the longest distance wins.
7. Discus throw
Instructions
- Use a Frisbee to play discus, or tape two heavy foam plates together.
- Hold the “discus” like a flying disk.
- Throw away from the waist.
- Record distances.
- The longest distance wins
8. Play badminton
Instructions
- You can have competitions involving pairs and singles.
- You will need a judge to determine if shots are in or out in the event there is a question.
- Use the official badminton rules or make your own that are consistent for every team.
9. Soccer
Instructions
- Set goals at least 15 feet apart. Goals can be as simple as a rope anchored in the ground.
- Play the best two out of three games.
- Keep scores for medals and prizes.
10. Other games
Can you play any of the games mentioned above such as:
- Softball
- Football
- Basketball
- Handball
- Hockey
- Tennis
- Volleyball?
They’re all summer Olympic Games!
11. Ice Hockey
This is a cool game for small kids.
What you need:
- A rectangle bowl
- Bottle cork
- water
- Freezer
Fill the bowl with a low level water and put it in the freezer until it’s frozen.
When it’s ready, take a small bottle cork to act as your pac. Each player grabs a pen or you can even use your fingers, and have the kids push the pac with their fingers to the other side of the bowl. If the cork hits the player bowl edge, that’s a point.
12. Table top Curling
This is a fun game that is very similar to the real one, but only in a tiny version.
What you need:
| Buttons ( in two colors ) | Long piece of paper |
| colors | Scissors |
| Roller |
Create circles on each side of the paper to mimic the real field of Curling. The outer circle is blue while the inner one is red.
Now using the roller draw a straight line from the bullseye to each other. You can also draw a dot where the hog line is ( where the players push their curls.
The game is player the same as the actual Curling rules, with players can push the buttons with their fingers and try to reach the middle house.
Other Olympic game ideas
Another great idea could be to play an Olympic themed game of charades for kids. The kids could act out the different sports and the other kids would have to guess what sport it is.
Check out the great ideas in the Races, relays, balloons & beanbag. All great games for an Olympics type theme! There are more than 45 games in that Category!
Also, look at ideas in the Outdoor water play Category. Towards the page bottom is a description of a water-themed field day!
Olympic Photo Ops
This is a good time to gather the children with their Olympic flags and medals and make a group picture or individual pictures before and at the closing ceremony after the games.
Make sure someone has a camera and video camera during the events!
In Summary
We hope you have enjoyed this fun list of Olympic game ideas. How did your event go? Did the kids enjoy the competition? If you want some more Olympic ideas make sure you check out our Olympic themed crafts.
